When it comes to salary, the aviation industry continues to be one of the most attractive sectors in Germany — especially for engineers, technicians and specialists in logistics, IT, and aircraft maintenance. However, salary levels have shifted in recent years due to market changes, workforce shortages and the evolving global aviation landscape. This article provides an overview of the current aviation salary landscape in Germany for entry-level roles.
Aviation Salary Comparison by Role
The average salary in the aerospace and aviation sector remains competitive. According to the StepStone Salary Report 2023, the average salary in the aerospace sector is approximately €68,500 gross per year, placing it among the top ten sectors in Germany.
Here’s a breakdown of current entry-level salaries by role:
| Role | Average Entry-Level Salary (EUR/year) |
|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineer | €46,000 – €55,000 |
| Certifying Staff (B1/B2) | €42,000 – €52,000 |
| Aircraft Maintenance Technician | €36,000 – €45,000 |
| Supply Chain / Logistics | €40,000 – €48,000 |
| R&D / Manufacturing | €45,000 – €50,000 |
| Sales / Procurement | €38,000 – €45,000 |
| HR / Marketing | €32,000 – €38,000 |
| IT & Digitalisation | €43,000 – €50,000 |
Engineers and Technical Specialists Still Lead
Engineering roles remain among the highest-paid entry-level positions in the aviation sector. Aerospace engineers earn between €46,000 and €55,000, depending on their qualifications and employer. This places them ahead of mechanical or automotive engineers, particularly when working for large OEMs or MRO companies.
Certifying Staff – those authorised to release aircraft after maintenance – also earn at the upper end of the technician scale thanks to their regulatory responsibilities and required certifications. Entry-level salaries for these roles typically start at €42,000 and can quickly rise with experience and type ratings.
Factors Influencing Aviation Salary in Germany
Influence of Employer Size
Large companies such as Airbus, Lufthansa Technik, or MTU Aero Engines offer comparatively higher salaries and additional benefits. Entry-level engineers at Airbus, for example, can expect to earn between €50,000 and €55,000, including bonuses. According to internal benchmarking, companies with over 1,000 employees pay on average €7,000 to €10,000 more per year than SMEs.
Regional Variation
Geographic location still has a major impact on aviation salary levels in Germany. States like Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and Hesse offer the highest wages, driven by the presence of OEMs, suppliers and airport hubs. For instance:
- Bavaria: Entry-level aerospace engineer salary approx. €52,000
- Hesse: Approx. €50,000
- Saxony or Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: Often below €42,000
These gaps are primarily due to economic differences, cost of living, and industry concentration.
Education and Qualification Levels
The salary gap between vocational training and university degrees continues to widen. A university graduate entering the workforce in a technical aviation role earns on average €10,000 to €15,000 more per year than someone with an apprenticeship only.
However, additional qualifications such as a technician’s diploma or master craftsperson certificate (Meister/Fachwirt) can significantly improve salary prospects – especially in maintenance and production-related roles.
- EASA Part-66 (B1/B2) Licenses – Required for Certifying Staff; entry-level salary increases by approx. €5,000–€10,000 compared to uncertified technicians
- Human Factors and Fuel Tank Safety Training – Often required for maintenance staff within large OEMs or MRO environments.
- Digital Skills Certifications – Increasingly relevant for roles in aviation data analytics, predictive maintenance, or digital twin systems
Flying Personnel:Pilots and Cabin Crew
Pilots
The reality for entry-level commercial pilots is more complex than the industry image suggests. While captains at major airlines still earn six-figure salaries, according to Stepstone first officers starting their careers typically earn between €61,200 and €67,500 - a modest return considering the average training cost of €80,000 to €120,000, which many candidates finance themselves.
Additional challenges include:
- Limited job guarantees after training
- High insurance premiums (e.g. occupational disability)
- Licenses can be revoked due to health issues, leading to job loss
- Age limits: many airlines prefer candidates under 25 for cadet program
These factors make pilot training a high-risk investment.
Cabin Crew
Cabin crew members earn significantly less. According to StepStone, entry-level salaries typically range from €28,700 to €42,700 gross per year. However, airlines usually cover the cost of training, which lasts several weeks. While the job offers flexibility, the long-term financial outlook is limited. This role is best suited for short-term employment, such as after school or university, or during transitional phases.
Temporary Roles and Contract Work
The aviation industry increasingly relies on temporary staff and external service providers to offset workforce shortages and meet seasonal demand. ARTS Group , for example, supports clients with flexible personnel solutions such as:
- Temporary staffing
- Work packages
- Mobile Aircraft Maintenance Crew (MAMC)
- Aviation Consulting and technical representation
Temporary engineers or technicians often receive competitive salaries, especially when working on specialised projects or under high time pressure (e.g. AOG scenarios). However, benefits and job security can vary depending on the assignment.
Factors Beyond Salary
While salary remains a key driver, younger professionals increasingly value:
- Purpose and responsibility
- Career development opportunities
- Work-life balance
- International exposure
According to recent studies, over 50% of employees would accept a lower salary for a job that offers more meaningful work or personal growth. Employers in aviation need to respond with not just attractive salaries, but also with clear career paths, modern working environments, and long-term development plans.
How Industry Trends Are Shaping Entry-Level Aviation Salaries
Entry-level salaries in aviation don’t exist in a vacuum—they’re directly tied to broader developments in the industry. From supply chain disruptions to regulatory shifts and sustainability goals, several external factors are currently influencing what companies are willing (and able) to pay young professionals.
Supply Chain Bottlenecks Increase Demand for Maintenance and Logistics Roles
Persistent delays in the availability of spare parts and components have put pressure on airlines and MROs to minimise aircraft downtime. As a result, roles in supply chain management, logistics and aircraft maintenance are becoming more critical—and slightly better paid than before. Companies are increasingly investing in skilled personnel who can help optimise inventory, manage AOG scenarios, or implement alternative sourcing strategies.
Regulatory Complexity Increases the Value of Certified Staff
The aviation sector is facing stricter safety and compliance standards. This has a direct impact on salaries for entry-level Certifying Staff and technicians: only candidates with the right EASA Part-66 licenses and regulatory training are eligible for certain roles, particularly in asset management or technical inspections. As demand exceeds supply, certified professionals can negotiate higher starting salaries compared to non-certified candidates.
Outsourcing and Project-Based Work Drive Flexibility—and Pay Variability
More companies are outsourcing technical services to reduce operational costs and increase flexibility. This trend is especially visible in aircraft maintenance, AOG recovery, and temporary staffing. While these roles often come with competitive day rates or shift allowances, they also introduce more variability in income and fewer long-term benefits.
Green Aviation and Digitalisation Create New Entry Paths
Sustainability initiatives and digital transformation are creating new demand profiles. Entry-level engineers and analysts with skills in lightweight materials, alternative propulsion, or digital maintenance systems (e.g. predictive analytics) are increasingly sought after by OEMs and consultancies. These niche roles often start with higher salaries due to the specialised expertise they require.
In short: industry complexity, labour shortages and strategic shifts are pushing employers to rethink how they attract and retain junior talent. For candidates entering the aviation sector, this means more opportunities—but also a greater need to specialise early and align with market-relevant qualifications.
Summary: Is Aviation Still Worth It?
Yes, especially for technical professionals, engineers, and specialists with the right qualifications. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Aerospace engineers, technicians and IT professionals continue to earn strong starting salaries.
- Employer size and location significantly impact your aviation salary.
- Flight crew should carefully assess the return on investment of training.
- Temporary and freelance work can be attractive but requires flexibility.
Ultimately, the aviation salary is only one part of the equation. If you’re looking for long-term career prospects, international projects and the chance to work at the cutting edge of technology, aviation still offers one of the most dynamic environments in Germany.
Looking for a job in aviation?
A variety of opportunities are available at ARTS Group, spanning engineering, maintenance, logistics and more.